Current sectionIsrael NewsSpeaking at the 'Together for Palestine' benefit in London, the retired soccer player pondered why there's a 'double standard,' citing the decision to suspend Russia days after the invasion of UkraineShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeFILE – Eric Cantona watches Manchester United play. Credit: Darren Staples/ReutersFILE – Eric Cantona watches Manchester United play. Credit: Darren Staples/ReutersSeptember 18, 2025Retired football star Eric Cantona, who starred for both the French national team and Manchester United, called on Thursday for soccer's governing bodies to suspend the Israeli national team and Israeli clubs over the war in Gaza.Speaking at the Together for Palestine benefit in London, Cantona not only said that UEFA and FIFA must suspend the national team and Israeli clubs, but until they do so, other clubs and national teams should refuse to play against them."Four days after Russia started a war in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia. We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International have called a genocide, and yet Israel continue to be allowed to participate," Cantona said, incorrectly citing the timeline of the war that began 713 days ago."Why is there a double standard," Cantona pondered while chuckling, "FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel. Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams, current players everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams."The 59-year-old added that boycott of spots was "critical" in ending apartheid in South Africa."It's time for everyone to get off the sidelines, who will follow me?" Cantona asked the crowd, which responded with applause.In the NewsHaredi Draft Exemption Talks to Renew After Parties Threaten to Dissolve KnessetOnly 7% Approved: Palestinian Construction Collapses in East JerusalemIsrael's Defense, Finance Ministries Spar Over Oct. 7 Terrorists Tribunal BudgetIsrael to Establish Defense Offices in Former UNRWA East Jerusalem CompoundIsrael and Hezbollah Trade Fire Across Border Despite Cease-fire ExtensionRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIThe Hasidic Jews Behind Florida's Giant Golden Trump StatueStarlink Users, Beware – Israeli Tech Can Reveal Your IdentityIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter AttackedIsrael Attacks New York Times for Report on Sexual Violence by Israeli Forces